The New York Mets might be known for their star-studded roster, but their newest addition brings a unique talent to the clubhouse. Shortstop José Iglesias, affectionately known as “Candelita,” is not only a slick fielder and consistent hitter but also a budding music artist.

The slugger recently shared his excitement with SNY TV regarding the July drop of his summer single, “OMG.” This track may soon be echoing through the speakers of Citi Field as Iglesias contemplates using it as his walk-up song. It should be noted, though, that his foray into music is not a recent whim.

The veteran infielder has been passionate about music for years, but his interest in pursuing it publicly sparked shortly after defecting from Cuba to the United States in 2008. “It was time to do it,” Candelita revealed back in March. “I love music. That’s what I do in my down time in my hotels, in my travels. I write songs. It’s pretty cool. It’s something fun that I really enjoy doing.”

José Iglesias’ musical network includes renowned singer Marc Anthony, whom he met through their mutual agency. The duo’s friendship has blossomed to the point of sporting matching tattoos on their forearms, ones that read, “The secret to having it all is believing you already do.”

Just this February, Iglesias released “No Voy A Volver” with Cuban musician Lenier—a single that quickly gained traction—amassing nearly 1.7 million views on YouTube and over 137,000 Spotify streams. Teammate Mark Vientos, initially skeptical, was surprised by Iglesias’ vocal talent upon seeing the official music video.

Iglesias is serious about his musical pursuits, envisioning a post-game concert at Citi Field after a potential Mets World Series victory. However, he didn’t forget to emphasize that baseball would remain his focal point. And while his musical aspirations may be pretty exciting, Iglesias’ return to the majors is a compelling narrative in itself.

José Iglesias’ humble return after 605 days involves proceeding with a focus on the future

After living through a challenging 2023 season, the slugger signed a minor league deal with the Syracuse Mets, competing for a spot on the crowded bench. Called up from Triple-A after a 605-day hiatus from the big leagues, Iglesias admitted to SNY that he felt more emotional about this opportunity when asked about his major-league debut over a decade ago. “They’re both special, right?” he said.

“But this one has a lot more meaning for me. It’s been more difficult in terms of individual challenges for me to come up this way. I feel very proud of myself, of the work that I’m doing, and the information I’m getting from this great staff that we have. I won’t take it for granted.”

The Queens, in need of a backup middle infielder, called upon José Iglesias’ veteran experience of almost 13 years, along with his defensive prowess. Manager Carlos Mendoza previously praised Iglesias’ willingness to adapt and improve his hitting, which might have been a crucial factor in his call-up. Needless to say, with his infield hit and RBI single in today’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Iglesias’ only proved the skipper right.

Iglesias’ journey back to the majors is a testament to his resilience and dedication to continuous improvement, as he remains focused on contributing to the team’s success more than anything, stating, “All I have is right now, and I’m extremely happy about it. I get to play a big-league game tonight… I’ve been over a decade in the show, and it’s not enough to [stop] getting better.”

With his passion for music and baseball running through his veins brighter than ever, José Iglesias is all set to make a significant impact “on and off the field” for his team. As fans eagerly anticipate his summer single and cheer him on with his tunes blasting through Citi Field speakers, they can rest assured that this unique asset to the team will bring along with him a harmonious blend of talent, perseverance, and infectious enthusiasm.